Radon as a form of medical therapy

Radon-222 is mildly radioactive, which is the basis for its use as a form of medical therapy. As it decays, it releases high-energy alpha radiation which, even in low doses, has therapeutic benefits. True to the following dictum:

« All things are poison and nothing is without poison;
only the dosage makes a thing not poison. »
(Paracelsus: Septem Defensiones, 1538. Collected Works Vol. 2, Darmstadt 1965, p. 510)

How high is the radon dose during therapy?

Gastein Healing Gallery Therapy takes place at 5 therapy stations with increasing warmth and humidity. Average radon levels throughout the Healing Gallery are 44kBq/m³

What is therapy comprised of?

Gastein Healing Gallery Radon Therapy consists of a multi-modal treatment concept resting on five pillars – pain relief, exercise, lifestyle, education and medical expertise.

Effects of Healing Gallery Radon Therapy

After being absorbed through the lungs and skin, the noble gas radon spreads rapidly throughout the body. Its decay products are deposited in the skin. In the process, mild alpha radiation is emitted. This stimulates the body’s own cell repair mechanisms and reduces the number of free radicals. The messenger substance TGF-beta, which promotes healing and reduces inflammation, is activated (Shehata, Schwarzmeier et al. 2006), with positive effects on bone metabolism in the face of inflammatory complaints (Moder et al. 2010). Movement of inflammatory cells through vessel walls is reduced (Harder et al. 2005).